Gameday preview: Wolves at Utah

February 21, 2014 - 9:39 PM

wolves gameday

8 p.m. at Utah • energysolutions ARENA • fsn, 830-am

Preview: With a two-game winning streak and on the heels of Wednesday’s victory over Indiana, the Wolves hope to continue the momentum on their longest road trip — five games — of the season. But they will have to do it minus their top two centers, Nikola Pekovic and Ronny Turiaf. Pekovic has missed 10 games because of ankle bursitis and Turiaf (knee) is out. That probably means a center by committee for the Wolves. Utah, which played Friday night in Portland, had a three-game winning streak ended Wednesday by Brooklyn.

Players to watch: Wolves F Kevin Love is coming off a 42-point performance against Indiana. He has averaged 32.7 points and 14.4 rebounds his past nine games. F Corey Brewer is averaging 14.6 points and 2.4 steals in February. PG Ricky Rubio is coming off a career-high 17 assists vs. Indiana. Jazz rookie PG Trey Burke is averaging 12.5 points and 5.6 assists, but has averaged just nine points on 30-percent shooting in two games vs. Wolves.

Numbers: Utah is one of only three Western Conference teams with a losing home record (12-15). The Jazz was 5-5 in its past 10 games heading into Friday’s game at Portland. Minnesota’s 26-point victory over Utah Jan. 18 was its biggest ever in the series, and its Jan. 21 victory at Utah ended a four-year drought there.